29 June,2026 06:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Samay Raina (Picture via YouTube)
Comedian Samay Raina has once again found himself at the centre of an online controversy after an old clip from one of his 2024 performances resurfaced on social media. The video, which has gone viral following the return of India's Got Latent Season 2, has triggered criticism from several internet users, with many comparing the joke to comedian Pranit More's recent Rs 370 biryani controversy.
In the resurfaced clip, Samay jokes about offering emotional support to a woman only to expect something in return. He says, "Kandha dega tabhi woh... vasoolunga toh sahi," a remark that many viewers have labelled insensitive and inappropriate. The clip has been widely circulated across social media platforms, reigniting debates around the boundaries of comedy and consent.
The controversy comes at a time when India's Got Latent has made its much-awaited comeback with its second season. The premiere episode featured Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as celebrity guests, generating significant buzz among fans. However, the show's return has also brought renewed attention to Samay's past comments, overshadowing the excitement surrounding the new season.
Social media users were quick to express their disappointment. Several compared the joke to Pranit More's recent viral "Rs 370 biryani" remark, arguing that both comments reflected poor taste. One user wrote, "No better than the Rs 370 biryani joke." Another commented, "This isn't dark humour, it's simply disrespectful." Others questioned why such remarks continue to be defended in the name of comedy, calling for greater accountability from public figures.
Some fans, however, defended the comedian, arguing that the clip was taken out of context and originated from a comedy performance several years ago. They maintained that stand-up comedy often relies on exaggerated and provocative humour, and old material should not be judged without considering the full act.
This is not the first time Samay has faced scrutiny over his comedy. His show India's Got Latent has previously attracted controversy over edgy jokes and remarks, leading to widespread debates online about where comedians should draw the line between humour and offensiveness. The resurfaced video has once again fuelled those discussions, with opinions remaining sharply divided over whether such jokes should be viewed as satire or as crossing acceptable boundaries.
